Growing up in abject poverty, and working professionally with, and for the poor, it’s my observation that many poor people never break out of their poverty because they are convinced they are deficient in some way. They often think of themselves as dumb. The poor are easily labeled as unteachable, and they readily accept it as true. It’s likely they weren’t educated well, but that is an entirely different matter than having some type of learning disability. We know that poverty does have a negative effect on IQ. The proof is pretty clear. The stresses of poverty consume so much energy that it reduces cognitive function. However, the evidence also demonstrates that IQ can improve in time, and under the right circumstances. Studies also show it’s most likely, though, to improve before adulthood, and that’s why quality education is an absolute must in our fight against, what President Johnson called, “man’s most ancient foe.” ​Nevertheless, the old adage must be stressed, it’s never too late to learn. Take Away: Learning, not necessarily schooling, breaks the chains of poverty.